The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of corruption linked to Covid-19 procurement in Limpopo, says Premier Chupu Mathabatha. The investigation will cover the province’s Health, Education and Cooperative governance departments.
“Because we take allegations of corruption seriously, I have brought the Special Investigating Unit, SIU, who have been mandated to investigate the whole procurement regime throughout the country by the president,” Mathabatha said during a media briefing on Wednesday.
“This investigation will also cover the Talana transitional residential units in Tzaneen,” says Mathabata.
Covid-19 response spending
The province directed more than 80% (R548 million) of its Covid-19 response fund to the health department, followed by nearly 18% (R129,4 million) to the education department. The province directed the remaining funding of R14,2 million to other departments and public entities.
Mathabatha says that though he believes the province’s procurement were “fair and transparent,” the SIU still needs to investigate all allegations. Mathabatha invited anyone who has evidence of corruption to come forward.
“They will definitely leave no stone unturned in unearthing any form of malfeasance so that we take the necessary corrective action,” he added.
Officials in the Limpopo health department are facing corruption and nepotism allegations linked to the awarding of PPE contracts. Head of the provincial health department Dr Thokozani Mhlongo refuted the allegations. – Health-e News
